Heavy molecules that are added to heating oil can clog filtration equipment and plumbing that comprises a heater's setup. Boilers and furnaces often rely upon a constant supply of heating oil. Before oil is delivered to your home, you should ensure that the oil tank or reservoir is treated for sludge buildup.
Dispersants And Seasonal Strategies
A dispersant is a product that is formulated to break up sludge. It is a liquid agent that can be poured directly into an oil tank. A dispersant will attach to sludge molecules and loosen them from the areas where they have attached. Since sludge is a residual material that tends to form on the interior wall or base pieces that comprise a tank, a dispersant is most commonly added to an oil tank when the tank is almost empty.
This is due to sludge becoming more of a problem when heating oil is running out. The sludge could enter plumbing or clog a filter. Seasonal strategies should focus on treating a tank right before it is going to be filled. This will allow the sludge to loosen first and then ultimately mix in with the new oil that is added to the tank or reservoir. As the oil and sludge components combine, they will be dispersed through the plumbing and into the furnace or boiler that is being used to burn the heating oil.
Upkeep Needs
Failure to complete upkeep steps may compromise plumbing and a filter. This can result in an inadequate heating process and the need for premature heating equipment replacements. A heating service may offer an 'all points inspection'. This type of inspection may consist of checking and replacing the filter and professionally cleaning the oil tank and the plumbing components that are attached to it.
The refilling of a tank should be consistent. This will minimize the likelihood of sludge entering vital parts of the heating equipment. Your heating oil delivery service agreement may include having tank readings performed a few times each season that you will be using oil to heat your home. The tank readings are used to determine standard oil usage amounts.
These amounts will reflect upon how often the heating oil tank will need to be refilled and the number of times each season that an oil company will need to provide a refill service. Upkeep also involves cleaning a tank's exterior and ensuring that plumbing components, tank caps, and other accessories are secured properly to the tank at all times.
Contact a local heating oil company today for more information.
